Renata Eustis

Pastor

I am joyfully surprised to have served as pastor since 2001. I am grateful to be a part of the deeply welcoming community that the Spirit has formed here. After the gift of a 3 month sabbatical, I feel called to boldness in proclaiming and living the fantastic news of God’s inexhaustible acceptance of each and every person. Before becoming a pastor, my work was in the field of human rights and social justice. Participating in God’s vision for a world where everyone lives with dignity brings me life. Our three daughters keep me on my toes and in touch. I enjoy swimming, yoga and reading novels—and our dog, Lucy.

Joy-Leilani Garbutt

Music minister

Music has always been a part of my life, growing from an interest, to an enjoyment, to a career, and now it is an absolute love. I have played the organ for (almost) as long as I can remember and find inspiration in the great treasury of organ music over the centuries. More recently though I have been interested in bringing music back to life that has been forgotten or overlooked, particularly the music of female composers. I am energized by the creative challenge of connecting music and texts that span many centuries, and I am always amazed at how meaningful the right combination of song and scripture can be. Christ Lutheran Church is an amazing community that values high-quality artistic experiences while also cultivating a musical environment of inclusivity.

When I arrived at Christ Lutheran in 2016, I found a strong choral and organ program and a church interested in reflecting their cultural diversity through worship music. I plan to keep those areas going strong while building up our children’s music programs and community outreach through our free concert series. I believe in the power of music to build community and the power of music to lift us up. We need it more now than ever.

Tamika Jancewicz

Vicar

I am so very excited about my new role as Vicar here at Christ Lutheran. I’m open to wherever the Spirit leads and guides these next two years and hopeful about the growth and changes we will all receive together in community. It’s a welcomed challenge to balance my life in Baltimore city—where my family, and I live—with my new work and call here, in D.C.

And when I’m not driving all over the DMV, I love to spend my time riding my bicycle, binge-watching Netflix movies, and listening to interesting podcasts.

LeeAnn Schray

Associate Pastor, Chief Organizer and Master Cheerleader

I’ve been doing ministry in Washington, DC since 1991 and am happy to be serving this diverse and growing congregation once again. Every day brings an opportunity to see where God is transforming us. So whether I’m working with volunteers or doing office administration, leading worship or caring for this part of God’s creation, I’m always looking for ways God’s creative energy is at work. It shows up in my daily life in my love for painting, gardening, singing, and practicing yoga and reiki.

Desta Tesemma

Sexton

All of my life I have been growing and working in the church. When I came to Christ Lutheran in 2001, I was happy to work where the people of God worship and serve God. Though you may find me cleaning, raking leaves, or doing maintenance, for me it is all service to God. I also do preaching and counseling in the Oromo Evangelical Church.